Millions of Americans take medicine every day to control their blood pressure. But are they over medicated? Are all of these medicines worth their cost and side effects? These 5 steps are simple lifestyle changes that you can do to help control your blood pressure without taking any medications.
1. Eating a Healthier Diet
You can lower blood pressure up to 7mm-14 mm Hg by following a low sodium diet, and eating whole grains, nuts and seeds, fruits and vegetables, limited dairy, and lean meats. - The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, or DASH, diet plan has been endorsed by experts such as the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Oz, and U.S. News & World Report. It offers solutions for making healthy eating work for you, including cookbooks, action plans, and even a support group on Facebook.
- Keeping a food diary is great for actually seeing what you are eating, how much, when and why. It can be very eye opening.
- Increasing your potassium intake can help to counteract too much sodium in your diet. Instead of going straight to supplements, eat more fruits and vegetables. A banana has 422 mg of potassium, a cup of orange juice has 496 mg, a skin-on baked potato has 738 mg, and a cup of low-fat or nonfat yogurt has 550 mg.
- Nutrient rich foods that are not only high in potassium, but also calcium and magnesium have been shown to help lower blood pressure
2. Changing to a low sodium diet
Too much salt in your diet causes everything from swollen ankles (edema) to raising your blood pressure. The recommended daily intake of sodium for a healthy adult is less than 2400 mg. For those with hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, or those at high risk for these illnesses, many think it is 2000 mg, but it is 1500 mg or lower. The American Heart Association recommends 1,500 mg as the upper limit of daily sodum intake for all adults. If you aren't sure what sodium level is right for you, then discuss this your doctor.
- This is another area where a food diary can help. By tracking your sources of sodium you can learn where and how to cut it.
- Avoid processed foods like fast food, canned food, frozen food and choose fresh low sodium foods, healthy snacks, and salt-free seasonings.
3. Curb your vices
Alcohol, smoking, and caffeine can all raise your blood pressure. This doesn't mean you can't have them on occasion in small servings.
- In fact studies show that a glass of wine a day can actually help to lower blood pressure. - Smoking a celebratory cigar with friends won't kill you, but smoking cigarettes throughout the day keeps your blood pressure at least 10 mm Hg higher than it would be otherwise.
- Caffeine hasn't been proven to raise blood pressure, but it can cause a temporary spike. Just like alcohol and tobacco, regular high usage of caffeine can lead to a consistently high blood pressure.
4. Exercise regularly
Most experts recommend exercising for thirty minutes a day almost every day. By following this you can not only bring down your blood pressure, but also strengthen your heart. Aerobic exercise alone can lower your systolic pressure by up to 5 points. It is also a great stress reliever.
5. Get enough sleep and learn to relax.
Stress has been linked to high blood pressure.
- Help lower your stress by sleeping 7 - 8 hours is recommended.
- Learn to relax. Learn meditation techniques, deep breathing excercises, find joy in simple things such as a sunrise or sunset.
- Take moments throughout the day to relax and will make a difference in your stress levels.
Take charge of your health. Know your body's signs and symptoms. Monitor your blood pressure at home and keep track of your appointment and testing schedules. Take advantage of available support structures like forums and support groups. They can be crucial in helping you deal with stress, avoid temptations, and offer help when needed so you do not slide back into bad habits.
The key to cardiac health is keeping your blood pressure at a constant healthy level. By following these tips and sticking to a health care routine set by you and your doctor, you can control your high blood pressure instead of your blood pressure controling you.
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